Highland Park Full Volume

Previously Featured In The Enthusiast Club

With a location as remote as The Highland Park Distillery it should come as no surprise that its origin story is up for debate. Some say it was the farmer David Robertson who founded the distillery on the tiny northern island of Kirkwall in 1798, though others credit a former priest turned smuggler by the name of Magnus Eunson. Whatever the case may be, it wasn’t until the 1870s that the mysterious distillery on Kirkwall expanded under the leadership of William Stuart of Miltonduff and James Grant of Glenlivet. It would be another hundred years before Highland Park released its first single malt whisky in the late 1970s. Since that time the distillery has grown into a cult favourite in the whisky community.

Usually known for their sherry seasoned casks and viking-themed packaging, this rare 17 year old edition was distilled in 1999 and laid to rest at 63.7% ABV in exclusively 100% ex-bourbon casks. Botttled in 2017 at 47.2% ABV the resulting whisky delivers flavours of creamy vanilla and sweet citrus fruits from the bourbon casks while still maintaining the unique taste and character of Kirkwall’s colourful distillery.

Nose - Vanilla cream, smooth fudge and barley sugar sweetness, balanced by citrus zest, lemon curd and oak spice.

Palate - More creamy vanilla, sweet lemon peel and tropical fruits, rich coconut balanced by a subtle aromatic smokiness.

Finish - Barley sugar returns on a long finish, supported by slightly tannic oak, even more creamy vanilla and lemon, with cedar wood and a hint of tangy pineapple.